So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
Genesis 32:24-26
While he was away from his family, Jacob had trusted in the Lord. Now as he returned, however, he feared the wrath of his brother. Yet, trusting in God to protect him and believing God’s promise to be with him always, Jacob set out to face the Almighty. First he sent his wife and children across the Jordan, and then alone, Jacob faced the Lord. He wrestled all night with God. In the morning, Jacob recognized that he had seen God face to face and his life was changed.
Christ often sent His disciples ahead so He might meet with God alone for strength and guidance – often wrestling in prayer all night. Our lives are no different. As we face difficult or uncertain circumstances or as we start normal daily tasks, we should first get alone with God and seek His direction and will for us in the situation. This time of prayer may be a struggle or a peaceful, refreshing time. Jacob emerged a changed man, just as we are changed as we spend time with God. Jesus emerged strengthened, just as we are strengthened. No one can encounter God and not be deeply affected.
Prayer
Lord, help me to spend time with You and allow You to change me from the inside out. Help me to be aware of those times when my struggle is not with other forces but with my reluctance to be obedient. Help me to trust You to show me the steps to take to get through the difficult situations in life. Let me be transformed by Your Presence today.
While he was away from his family, Jacob had trusted in the Lord. Now as he returned, however, he feared the wrath of his brother. Yet, trusting in God to protect him and believing God’s promise to be with him always, Jacob set out to face the Almighty. First he sent his wife and children across the Jordan, and then alone, Jacob faced the Lord. He wrestled all night with God. In the morning, Jacob recognized that he had seen God face to face and his life was changed.
